Opening night for “The Nutcracker” — The Conservatory Ballet begins performances tonight of the holiday classic at 7 p.m. at CenterStage. [Reston Community Center]

Deadline pushed for Silver Line project contractors — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority extended the deadline yesterday for proposals to accommodate the vendors interested in operating the extension of the Metrorail Silver Line to March 18. [WMATA]

Reston-based technology developer is raking in the money —  OpenLegacy has raised $30 million in funding. Silverhorn Investment Advisors led the round. [OpenLegacy]

Snow possible this weekend — Get your snow boots out. Forecasters say a chance of wintery storms could hit Reston over the weekend. [Reston Patch]

Photo via Marjorie Copson

Overcome writer’s block before NaNoWriMo ends — Join fellow locals from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library to finish up the National Novel Writing Month challenge of writing a 50,000-word novel before midnight tonight. [Fairfax County]

Take a dip in the pool — Summer is long gone, but pool time isn’t. “The Family Splash” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Reston Community Center is $13 for residents. [Reston Community Center]

W&OD Trail project continues — A major 1.2-mile stretch of the trail’s bike path in Falls Church will be turned into a dual path — one for bikes and the other for pedestrians. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is providing $3.2 million for the project. The trail also faces planned construction over Wiehle Avenue. [Falls-Church News Press]

“O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree” — If you’re looking for a place to get a tree this holiday season, this roundup lists nearby Christmas tree farms. [Reston Patch]

Dollars and Sense — The free monthly group at Reston Regional Library focuses on business leaders and markets. Tonight’s 7 p.m. discussion will be about Mel Lindauer ‘s book “The Bogleheads’: Guide to Investing.” [Fairfax County]

Tackling Reston’s housing inclusiveness — Richard Rothstein, author of “Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America,” will lead a discussion on how housing policy impacts equitability and inclusiveness in Northern Virginia communities. An interactive panel discussion with local community experts will follow. The event takes place tonight at the Reston Community Center at 5 p.m. [Reston Community Center]

Investigating how the media impacts victims of crime — Karen Bune, a criminology professor at George Mason University, will dive into the news media’s role related to crime victims and ways to disseminate news without negatively impacting victims, survivors, confidentiality and ongoing investigations. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. [Fairfax County]

Photo via Ray Copson

(Editor’s note: This story was updated Monday at 2 p.m. to clarify where the collected food items went.)

Giving Tuesday is right around the corner, and one Reston-based company got a head start.

The Goal, a technology-based consulting firm, collected more than 500 food items in its annual food drive, the company posted today (Nov. 26) on social media.

The food will go to the Reston Community Center’s Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Cornerstones, a local nonprofit organization. The items gathered by the employees, known as “Goalies,” include cans of yams, potatoes and Campbell soup.

Founded in 2002, The Goal is headquartered in Reston at 11921 Freedom Drive, Suite 920. The company’s services include software development, cybersecurity and data solutions.

The donation is meant to help people living in poverty, the company tweeted said.

Our Goalies collected over 500 food items in our annual food drive benefiting the Reston Community Center!  Our donation is helping those living in poverty in Northern VA! #proudtobetg #tg https://t.co/AMKelOf0kR

— The Goal (@the_goal_) November 26, 2018

Photo via The Goal/Instagram

This story has been updated.

Wegmans cements deal in Reston Crescent project — The supermarket chain will set up shop by Reston Parkway. [Washington Business Journal]

Try out American mahjong — Drop in to try out the game using tiles instead of cards for free at the Reston Community Center. [Reston Community Center]

“Green is the Secret Color to Make Gold” — There are only a few days left to see the photography exhibition by Caitlin Teal Price. [Greater Reston Arts Center]

Keep an eye on the Metrorail’s schedule — Riders can expect reduced hours and track work tomorrow and over the weekend. [WTOP]

Photo by Bill Burton

A well-known mezzo-soprano, who resides in Reston, will take to the stage to perform a variety of songs.

Elizabeth Bishop, a long-time resident, will perform operatic songs and American folk standards, ranging from Gustav Mahler to Cole Porter.

She will be accompanied on the piano by Patrick O’Donnell, along with additional instrumental support from Salvatore Amadeo on the violin and Jihea Choi on the Cello, Paul Douglas Michnewicz, director of arts and events at Reston Community Center, told Reston Now.

“From Here to There” will take place at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16. Tickets are $15.

She has performed at The Metropolitan Opera and the Washington National Opera. In December, Bishop will travel to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for the role of Madame de la Haltière in “Cendrillon” — an opera adapted from Cinderella.

Bishop is part of the Reston Community Center’s lineup of old and new professional touring artists, including singer Jazzmeia Horn and DeRay Mckesson, a civil rights activist. This is her first time performing in the Professional Touring Artist Series, Michnewicz said.

Photo via Madeleine Gray Divatography

What can Fairfax do to make Reston more affordable and diverse?

Richard Rothstein, author of “Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America,” will lead a discussion on how housing policy impacts equitability and inclusiveness in Northern Virginia communities.

The free event will be hosted at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) at 5 p.m. on Nov. 29. Registration is available online.

Housing inclusivity has been an ongoing discussion in Reston with county officials working to implement a series of ambitious housing affordability goals by the end of the decade. The average rent in Fairfax County is between $1,700 and $1,800 a month, but half of the jobs in the area earn less than $50,000 annually.

Following Rothstein’s comments will be a panel discussion with local housing experts about future plans for the area’s housing.

Copies of the book will be available for sale at the box office for $15, and Rothstein will be available after the lecture for book signings.

Photo via Liveright Publishing

Ahead its annual holiday and gifts shopping event, Reston Community Center Lake Anne is organizing an exhibit to benefit Cornerstones, a local nonprofit organization.

Artists will display and sell original artwork in the Jo Ann Rose Gallery from Nov. 26 through Jan. 7. A holiday gift shopping event will follow on Dec. 1, turning the facility into a marketplace with food and gifts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entries fees and 10 percent of sales will be donated to Cornerstones.

The exhibit will include work in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, oil, mixed media, collage and photography. Artists will donate 10 percent of proceeds from sales during the shopping event and throughout December. Cornerstones helps operate the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Laurel Learning Center, and community services outreach.

The event has raised $13,700 for the nonprofit organization since the first exhibit was held in 1999. For more information, contact Gloria Morrow.

File photo

Wexton, Democratic incumbents celebrate Election Day victories — Local voters also turned out in numbers the surpassed recent midterm elections. The Fairfax County Office of Elections estimated a 69.7 percent turnout for the general election, up from 45.7 percent in 2014. [Fairfax County Times]

DMV2Go in RTC today — The wireless office on wheels will offer DMV services today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the pavilion. Services include driver’s license and ID card applications and renewals, driving records, decals and more. [Reston Town Center]

Reston Association budget hearing, assessment increase proposal tomorrow — RA will hear comments from members about its plans to increase assessments by $11 at a hearing tomorrow (Thursday). [Reston Association]

Robert Sapolsky to speak at CenterStage tonight — Sapolsky, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, will speak tonight. His lectures touch on topics like stress, baboons, the biology of individuality, memory aggression and schizophrenia. Tickets are sold out but the box office will maintain a waitlist today for any returned tickets. [Reston Community Center]

Photo by John Pinkman

The Hindu Festival of Lights, known as Diwali, lights up Reston Regional Library with a cultural fair on Saturday.

The event will include games, music, food, arts and crafts and other activities. Attendees of all ages are invited to the fair, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Below is a limited list of other events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.

• In the mood for a little theater? Performances of Hairspray continue today and this weekend on CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for students and youth under 18.
• Junior merchants will sell a variety of gently-used toys, books, and other child-friendly items on Saturday at the Children’s Fall Flea Market at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
• You can also kickstart your morning with a beer run near Lake Anne Brewhouse from 9:45-10:30 a.m. All ages and paces are welcome.
• On Saturday, Reston Community Orchestra will kick off the season with their opening concert at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods at 4 p.m. The concert is open to attendees of all ages.
• Sing books with Miss Emily on Saturday at Reston Regional Library from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of Reston Regional Library.
• Blue Sky Puppets present folktales with puppets Chester, Buster, and Suzy Pig on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. The event is also cosponsored by Friends of Reston Regional Library.
• Reston Association needs volunteers to help monitor stream conditions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. No prior experience is required and all ages are welcome.
• The Lake House will be open for community drop-in time and light refreshments from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday as part of a series of open houses.
• Maria Gianferrari reads her book “Operation Rescue Dog” at Scrawl Books on Saturday at 11 a.m. The story is about a girl who goes on a quest to find a rescue dog she plans to adopt.
• International games week kicks off on Sunday with the chance to play a few classic board games at Reston Regional Library from 1-5 p.m.
• Professor Harry Butowsky also continues his six-part lecture series on the history of World War II on Sunday at the Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m.
• On Sunday, Gina Clowes will perform as part of Frying Pan Farm Park’s Bluegrass Barn Series. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

File photo

Thanksgiving food drive kicks off today — Reston Community Center, Cornerstones, and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce are seeking non-perishable food and other items for the food drive. Requested donations and drop-off options are available online. Donations will be collected through Nov. 19. [Reston Community Center]

Decisions on decisions for Fairfax County Planning Commission tonight — The commission kicks off November with decisions on the Midline project on the north side of the Dulles Toll Road, east of Wiehle Avenue, as well as Woodfield’s plan to replace offices with multi-family units on the opposite side of the toll road. [Fairfax County Government]

Meet the artist event canceled tonight — A performance by Luke Frazier scheduled for this afternoon at CenterStage has been canceled due to an artist injury, according to organizers. Plans are underway to reschedule the performance in the spring. [Reston Community Center]

If you thought it was just the young folks — In Fairfax County, one in seven Medicare beneficiaries leave hospital care with an opioid prescription. Of that number, 42 percent remain on opioids three months later, according to county data. [Fairfax County Government]

Meet the author event at Scrawl Books — Young adult author Jessica Spotswood returns for a conversation about her Cahill Witch Chronicles series and short story collection. Special guest Nura Behgoman from Herndon High School’s book club will also join Spotswood. [Scrawl Books]

Nearby: Information sought on Farea sisters’ disappearance — Local police are looking for information about two sisters from Fairfax County who were found dead in New York several days ago. [Fairfax County Police Department]

(Photo of Lola, a local cat caught “wondering why our azaleas are blooming in late October,” snapped and submitted by Gretchen Bock)

Three local organizations are working together once again on the annual Thanksgiving Drive, which helps families in need of food. Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food and other essential items as several drop-off points throughout the area.

This year’s drive, which is organized by Reston Community Center, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones will run from Thursday (Nov. 1) through Nov. 19.

Cornerstones, a local nonprofit organization that helps neighbors in overcome tough economic times, is in need of the following items:

• Toilet Paper
• Baby Wipes
• Hygiene Items
• Condiments
• Cooking Oil
• Dry Beans
• Canned Meats
• Flour, Sugar, etc.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Canned Fruit
• Soups, Chili, etc.
• Coffee, Tea, etc.
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Boxed Potatoes
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Heavy Duty Clear Plastic Bins (approx. size of file boxes)
• Shelf Stable Milk (evaporated, condensed, dry, soy, etc.)

Drop-off locations, as listed by RCC, are below:

• RCC Hunters Woods
  2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
• RCC Lake Anne
  1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston
• Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce
  1886 Metro Center Drive, Suite 230, Reston
• Access National Bank
  1800 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 105, Reston
• Hunter Mill District Office
  1802 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston
• JBG/Arboretum
  12700 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
• JBG/RTC West
  12100, 12110,12120 Sunset Hills Road, Reston
• LePort Montessori Herndon
  13251 Woodland Park Road, Herndon
• Long & Foster Realtors
  2100 Reston Pkwy, Suite 102, Reston
• Reston Association – HQ
  12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
• Reston Association – CSF
  12250 Sunset Hills Road, Reston
• Reston Association – WNC
  11450 Glade Drive, Reston
• State Farm Insurance
  11868 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200, Reston
• Tall Oaks Assisted Living
  12052 North Shore Drive, Reston
• The Harrison at Reston Town Center
  1800 Jonathan Way, Reston
• Washington Hilton Dulles
  13869 Park Center Road, Herndon
• YMCA Fairfax County Reston
  12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston

Photo via RCC

The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed for renovations beginning in early January through October of next year, bringing two pools to the community.

Ahead of the anticipated closure, Reston Community Center is offering some alternatives for current swimmers who use the facility. Fairfax County YMCA-Reston, Herndon Community Center and Reston Association will offer special pricing options during the construction period for RCC patrons.

RCC patrons will receive a construction pass with the individual’s name and address, allowing pass holders to benefit from specific services provided by the partners.

In order to receive the pass, patrons must complete a registration form. Payments to access facilities can be made at the partner facility and only provide access to facilities and the use of pools or fitness areas.

More information about pricing is available online.

File photo

Changes to Wiehle-Reston Metro service — From 5-6 a.m. this week, Silver Line service to Wiehle-Reston East begins at Stadium-Armory. Customers between Largo and Benning Road should use Blue Line Service, then transfer to the Silver Line at Stadium. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]

Safety tips for Halloween — As the day of trick-or-treating approaches, here are some safety tips to keep in mind for kids. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Planning by South Lakes JROTC — Students leaders at the JROTC program outlined their goals and plans for the year recently, including a planned Veterans Day dinner for area veterans on Nov. 16. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

A feature on Reston Farm Market — “The legendary Reston Farm Market brings the magic of celebrating time-honored fall fun to families. With an eye toward community focus, owner Bonita Weinstein strives every day, but especially when all things pumpkins rule Reston, to offer opportunities for everyone.” [The Connection]

Metropolis at CenterStage tonight — “Percussionist Tom Teasley performs his original live music accompaniment to a screening of Fritz Lang’s classic science fiction film Metropolis. In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.” [Reston Community Center]

Photo by Mark Bramer